Asr Prayer
The afternoon prayer, performed in the latter part of the afternoon
Rakats Breakdown
Sunnah (Before)
4
Fardh
4
Sunnah (After)
0
Nafl
0
Witr
0
Total Rakats
8
Follows the Hanafi school of thought. Minor variations may exist in other schools. All schools agree on the Fardh (obligatory) rakats.
Prayer Time
From when shadow of object equals its length until just before sunset
"Maintain with care the [obligatory] prayers and [in particular] the middle prayer."
— Quran 2:238
Read verseKey Points
- Many scholars consider this the 'middle prayer' mentioned in the Quran
- Angels change shifts during Asr and Fajr
- Great emphasis on praying it before sunset
Islamic Sources
"Whoever misses the Asr prayer, it is as if he has lost his family and property."
— Sahih al-Bukhari 552
Read full reference"May Allah have mercy upon a person who prays four rak'ahs before Asr."
— Sunan Abu Dawud 1271 (Hasan)
Read full reference